Francine Knowles – Page 9

Zener Pyzmor, right, and Jacob Blanda, lift a shelf for a built-in feature in the office space of a new home under construction in Bronzeville, in Chicago on Feb. 14, 2023.

Does Fido need a built-in dog bowl? With many still working from home, homeowners are installing built-in features. Here’s why.

February 26, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

Demand for built-in features like banquettes, cabinets and even integrated dog bowls is a hot trend in today's housing market. Homeowners are incorporating the features in creative ways to maximize...

Arlicia Alston shows her expanded Arlicia's Posh Fashions & Spa in South Holland.

Column: Boutique emerges from pandemic with expanded services at larger South Holland site

February 20, 2023 at 7:48 a.m.

For nearly six years, I've spotlighted several south suburban small-business owners in this column. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I've checked in with them to see how they've been affected. This...

Governors State University in University Park (Daily Southtown file photo)

Column: Governors State grant-funded program provides free training in health care professions

February 6, 2023 at 3:55 p.m.

A $450,000 grant-funded program at Governors State University's School of Extended Learning is providing under employed individuals and others facing barriers free training to help them land jobs in two...

Nicole Scott, president and founder of Free N Deed Market in Dolton, said the pantry is looking at extending its hours or days of operations.

Column: South suburban food pantries expect to see increased need as pandemic emergency benefits end

January 23, 2023 at 3:09 p.m.

Those combating food insecurity in Illinois expect to see more people seeking help at food pantries in the coming weeks as temporary federally funded emergency food benefits, put in place...

Column: Midlothian juice business focuses on expansion and moving past pandemic

January 9, 2023 at 2:29 p.m.

For nearly six years, I've spotlighted several south suburban small-business owners in this column. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I've checked in with those businesses to see how they've been affected....

Paces buses arriving at the Harvey Transportation Center in October 2022.

Column: Pace Bus, South Suburban College partner to offer free driver training course

December 26, 2022 at 8:43 a.m.

South Suburban College and Pace Suburban Bus are partnering in a free, short-term training program that will lead to positive payoffs for those who complete the program and for Pace,...

Lynette Stokes, president of South Suburban College, shows the front of a mug she bought for her sisters one year.

Column: Memories of the best Christmas gifts, given and received

December 13, 2022 at 2:35 p.m.

In this season of giving, my thoughts in recent days have been on Christmases past. I relished in the memory of a Christmas gift my husband and I gave our...

Donesha Owens shops Saturday at Macy's at Orland Square.

Column: Some suburban shoppers cut back holiday spending while others stay the course

November 29, 2022 at 12:46 p.m.

After dealing with higher prices for food, gas and other necessities this year, do you plan to cut back on spending on Christmas gifts and other holiday expenses? I posed...

Column: Food pantries prepare to help struggling south suburban families with holiday meals

November 14, 2022 at 7:08 p.m.

As higher food prices continue to deliver a blow to budgets, organizations battling food insecurity are gearing up to help struggling families with meals this Thanksgiving and Christmas. One in...

Claudia Ruiz-Martinez in her office at Robinson Engineering in South Holland on Sept. 19, 2022. Ruiz-Martinez, who started as administrative assistant is now administrative manager.

Top Workplaces 2022: Employee loyalty is on the decline, particularly in Chicago. Here’s how some companies are fighting back.

November 4, 2022 at 11:41 a.m.

Employee loyalty at companies in Illinois and across the country worsened over the past year. Dissatisfied workers continued to quit in droves, with no regrets and despite recession concerns, and...

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